EF Education First recently released a worrying fact: Brazil has fallen 21 positions in the world rankings for English proficiency, now occupying 81st place among 116 countries.
As CEO of SEDA College, an institution focused on language teaching and cultural exchange, this information leads me to reflect on some crucial points.
English proficiency goes beyond mastering a language. It is an essential tool for employability, social inclusion and global mobility.
In an increasingly connected world, speaking English has gone from being a differential to becoming a basic necessity. So why are we falling behind?
Education and the collective impact
The results of the study I mentioned above and which were published in Folha de São Paulo show that the age group from 26 to 30 years old has the highest proficiency in Brazil.
However, we still see significant challenges among older groups, which may be a reflection of an education system that has historically given little focus to language teaching.
As a society, we need to rethink our education policies and include English as a strategic pillar of development.
The responsibility lies with each of us
At the same time, I believe that the responsibility for change lies not only with the system, but also with the individual. Today, with technology, we have more access than ever to free and paid resources for learning English.
Platforms, apps, videos and even standardized tests, such as those used in the EF research, are available to everyone.
However, having access to the tools is not enough; you need motivation, planning and a clear goal. I like to say that English is an open door to the world, but it is up to each person to decide whether they want to walk through it.
The role of companies and institutions like SEDA College
As the leader of an institution that experiences the impact of language learning on the lives of thousands of people, I believe we have a role to play in creating environments that not only teach English, but also inspire people to dream big and achieve their global goals.
Our job is more than teaching grammar; it is empowering individuals to compete, innovate and thrive on an international stage.
That is why I see the drop in the rankings as a wake-up call, but also as an opportunity. It is time to review our priorities as a country, as organizations and as individuals.
After all, lifelong learning is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform our lives and contribute to collective development.
